Rejected petition Hold a binding referendum on reintroducing the death penalty for sexual crimes

Parliament should allow the public to vote on whether the death penalty should be reinstated for the most serious sexual offences, where guilt is proven beyond doubt. This petition asks for a binding national referendum on this specific issue

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The UK is experiencing rising rates of sexual violence, and many offenders continue to pose long-term risks. Existing sentences do not provide strong deterrence or adequate protection for victims and communities. When Parliament refuses to consider tougher measures, the public should have the right to decide. A binding referendum would give the people the final say on penalties for the most serious sexual crimes.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

You are more likely to get action on this issue if you sign and share a single petition.

You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:

Reinstate capital punishment for rape or for serious sexual assault
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/740433

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 14 November 2025
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